Physical activity has been pointed out as a promising preventive strategy to reduce the risk of  developing certain brain disorders. Nevertheless, the effect of having a physically active lifestyle on the risk of developing brain disorders may differ depending on sex, age, and other factors.

We study how a physically active lifestyle affects the risk of developing neurodegenerative disorders, different types of dementia, and psychiatric disorders. By following almost 400 000 Swedes for up to 20 years, we investigate how physical activity in their lifestyle affects their risk of developing the above-mentioned disorders. The study includes both men and women who were followed between 1989 and 2010. Half of our study population are devoted skiers participating in the world’s largest cross-country ski race, Vasaloppet, and have been shown to be substantially more active compared to the general population.